What Is Window Sash Repairs And How To Use It

Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become too much.
The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.
When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cured, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.
If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.
To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to find replacements.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. why not try this out may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It's important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep it open.